Throw somebody under the bus

phrase

To betray or sacrifice someone, especially to benefit oneself.

In her desire for office politics, she was ready to throw her colleague under the bus
Visual representation of "throw somebody under the bus" - To betray or sacrifice someone, especially to benefit oneself

Often appears as...

  • she won't hesitate throwing you under the bus
  • don't throw me under the bus

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

To betray or sacrifice someone, especially to benefit oneself.

In her desire for office politics, she was ready to throw her colleague under the bus
Visual representation of "throw somebody under the bus" - To betray or sacrifice someone, especially to benefit oneself

Often appears as...

  • she won't hesitate throwing you under the bus
  • don't throw me under the bus

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "throw somebody under the bus"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

This phrase implies disloyalty and can sound harsh; use it when the betrayal is clear and intentional.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
After promising confidentiality, he threw me under the bus by revealing my secrets.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Language

Remember it's a metaphor and doesn't involve literal buses or physical harm.

Illustration for Figurative Language
Figuratively speaking, it felt like she threw the whole department under the bus in that meeting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Betrayal

The phrase often refers to betraying trust or not supporting someone as expected.

Illustration for Non-literal Betrayal
He threw me under the bus by taking credit for my project in front of the boss.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

This phrase implies disloyalty and can sound harsh; use it when the betrayal is clear and intentional.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
After promising confidentiality, he threw me under the bus by revealing my secrets.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Language

Remember it's a metaphor and doesn't involve literal buses or physical harm.

Illustration for Figurative Language
Figuratively speaking, it felt like she threw the whole department under the bus in that meeting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Betrayal

The phrase often refers to betraying trust or not supporting someone as expected.

Illustration for Non-literal Betrayal
He threw me under the bus by taking credit for my project in front of the boss.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

This phrase implies disloyalty and can sound harsh; use it when the betrayal is clear and intentional.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
After promising confidentiality, he threw me under the bus by revealing my secrets.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Language

Remember it's a metaphor and doesn't involve literal buses or physical harm.

Illustration for Figurative Language
Figuratively speaking, it felt like she threw the whole department under the bus in that meeting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Betrayal

The phrase often refers to betraying trust or not supporting someone as expected.

Illustration for Non-literal Betrayal
He threw me under the bus by taking credit for my project in front of the boss.
Visual representation of the word "Throw somebody under the bus"

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